AFC Bournemouth's week was defined by dramatic late goals, a historic European draw, and a frustrating home result. The Cherries sit 12th in the Premier League with one point from two games after a stoppage-time loss at Manchester City and a last-gasp draw with Everton, while also learning their first-ever European opponents.
Bournemouth came agonisingly close to spoiling Enzo Maresca's Premier League debut as Manchester City manager. The Cherries led at the Etihad Stadium for over 80 minutes on Sunday, August 23, before a late collapse saw City score twice in the final stages to win 2-1. Marc Guehi's 84th-minute equaliser and Josko Gvardiol's stoppage-time winner, initially ruled out for offside before a VAR overturn, secured a dramatic comeback for the hosts.
The defeat leaves Bournemouth with a negative goal difference early in the season, having scored two and conceded three. They are already five points behind the early leaders, Manchester City. Manager Andoni Iraola will be frustrated his side could not hold on for a famous result, especially with key players like A. Adli, J. Araujo, E. J. Kroupi, and V. Milosavljevic currently sidelined.
Bournemouth's inaugural European campaign will begin with a glamour tie against Italian giants AC Milan. ESPN Soccer reported the draw this week, confirming the Cherries will host the seven-time European champions at the Vitality Stadium. Bournemouth's Group A schedule also includes home games against Viktoria Plzen, Sturm Graz, and Hapoel Beer Sheva.
Their away travels in the competition will take them to Spain to face Real Sociedad and Celta Vigo, as well as trips to Sparta Prague in the Czech Republic and Lillestrom in Norway. This historic foray into continental competition adds a new dimension to Bournemouth's season, with fixtures set to be confirmed by UEFA shortly. The squad depth will be tested, especially with several players currently unavailable.
Bournemouth had to settle for a single point at home to Everton after conceding another late goal. The BBC Sport match report detailed how James Tarkowski struck in the 91st minute to cancel out Bournemouth's lead and secure a 1-1 draw for the visitors at the Vitality Stadium. It was the second time in four days that the Cherries had been punished in the dying moments of a game.
This result contributed to Bournemouth's current league standing of 12th, with a record of zero wins, one draw, and one loss from their opening two fixtures. The pattern of conceding late goals is an immediate concern for Iraola as he prepares his team for their next challenge.
Attention now turns to halting this run of late disappointments and building momentum. The immediate focus is a tough away trip to face Newcastle United, who are currently 3rd in the table, on September 5. This match schedule, represents a significant test against a direct rival.
Integrating the returning injured players will be vital for managing the dual demands of the Premier League and the Europa League. The club must find a way to close out games more effectively if they are to improve on their current points tally and make a positive start to their European adventure next month.
